Affordable and Fun in Fresno County

By BARRY EITEL

Fresno County is a fantastic destination for budget travelers, with delicious California cuisine served up every day, plenty of activities and excellent accommodations available for every wallet. A central hub in California, Fresno County has enough affordable and fun activities to fill a weekend or weeks! Fresno County is a relaxing, inexpensive basecamp to explore everything the region has to offer, including the three national parks, each located within 90 minute drive.

Find Your Zen at Shinzen Japanese Garden

One inexpensive yet charming and uniquely Fresno attraction is the Shinzen Japanese Garden. This beautiful, relaxing garden was built and is maintained by the local Japanese community. The garden features an ume grove, a double moon bridge, a meditation area, streams and waterfalls. There is a wonderful calendar of cultural events held in the garden and open to the public each year – check the garden’s website; there is usually something fun going on at least every weekend. Either way, a whole afternoon could be spent wandering the manicured landscape or staring into the koi pond. Admission is $5 for adults or $1 for children and seniors.

Go ‘Wild’ at Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Sprawling nearly 40 acres and housing almost 200 species of animals, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, located at Roeding Park, is a great place for an adventure. With a $5 per vehicle entrance fee into Roeding Park and admission to the zoo costing $10 or less, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo is one of the most affordable zoos in the country. Visitors witness the animals in habitats that mimic tropical rain forests and other ecosystems. The zoo also boasts a Sea Lion Cove exhibit, modeled after Point Lobos over on the Pacific Coast. The cove gives visitors an up-close and singular experience with California’s beloved sea lions.

African Adventure, the zoo’s newest expansion, allows visitors to be immersed in an African Safari complete with a 360-degree view of the savanna. Visitors will appreciate this one-of-a-kind dining experience at Kopje Lodge; wildlife grazes by as you relax and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Storyland & Playland

Conveniently located in Roeding Park* across from the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, you can enjoy Storyland & Playland for only $6 per person. Kids will love Storyland, the place where bedtime stories come to life. Visitors will step into this storybook adventure where a magic key can unlock classic fairy tales such as Alice in Wonderland and Humpty Dumpty. Next to Storyland is the fun filled world of Playland, where kids can experience thrill-seeking fun. Visitors can ride the Big Top Carousel, Dragon Coaster, Helicopters and more. At the end of the visit, ride The Willis B Kyle Express Train for a full scenic tour of Storyland & Playland. Whether you are walking through a real life fairytale or seeking a thrilling ride, Storyland & Playland give children of all ages an experience to remember.